An MBA Primer for Non-MBAs

This note is intended to familiarize non-MBAs with some concepts and terms that will be used in the class S356, Evaluating Entrepreneurial Opportunities. It is not intended to be exhaustive. It covers the following building blocks for creating an effective business plan: • Developing a sustainable competitive strategy; • Choosing a source of financing; • Deciding between structures of ownership; • Choosing an organizational structure; • Understanding sales, marketing, and distribution; • Developing an effective business model; • Understanding accounting. Each topic in this note is organized into two sections. The first section introduces students to a concept while the second section provides abbreviated definitions of relevant terms.